The Burt Clark Foundation Honors a Legacy and Builds the Future!
Sixty-eight runners joined the friends and family of Natchitoches native Burt Clark in the fifth Run 4 Burt 5K held on NSU's picturesque campus on Oct. 5. Burt Clark and his twin brother Kurt graduated from Natchitoches Central High School in 1989. Burt went to Southern University while his twin went to NSU. Both brothers were athletes interested in healthy living.
When Burt Clark was tragically taken away from us all too soon, his friends and family came up with a wonderful way to honor his memory, while also promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The Run 4 Burt 5K was founded to raise money for scholarships for deserving youths from Natchitoches Parish to continue their education after high school. This Saturday's run is the second in what has become an annual tradition and a fitting memorial to a special young man.
Finishing first was Briana Creeks. Taking second was Damlick Clark. Chelsey Brown took third place. Of particular note was Brad Borth of Enterprise, LA, who at 76 years young, was the oldest participant.
The inaugural run and fundraising efforts were successful enough to fund three scholarships for NCHS alumni to continue their education at Southern University, NSU and LSU. In the subsequent five years, the foundation has awarded eight scholarships totaling $31,000.00. BCF Scholars are currently attending Grambling, Southern, LSU, and Northwestern State University. The Burt Clark Foundation also supports the local community by partnering with the Coach Dee Foundation. The 2024-2025 Burt Clark Foundation Scholars are: Kristyn Anderson who is studying screenwriting at LSU, Shona Moses who is studying Communications at NSU and Layla Evans who is attending Southern University.
Mr. Burt Clark's legacy will be carried on over the years by deserving young men and women who were given a chance for a better life and went on to do great things. That is a wonderful way to honor a good man's memory. The Natchitoches Parish Journal looks forward to next year's Run 4 Burt. We are also looking forward to seeing good things from Kristyn, Shona and Layla as they pursue their studies. Make us proud!
